Erik Karlsson to play Game 5, but other Sharks lineup decisions in flux

SAN JOSE — Defenseman Erik Karlsson will play Sunday in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final against the St. Louis Blues but coach Pete DeBoer said other lineup decisions won’t be finalized until closer to game time.

The pivotal Game 5 will start at noon at SAP Center.

Karlsson was in obvious discomfort toward the end of Game 4, a 2-1 Sharks loss, as he missed a handful of shifts. He returned to the game for the final two minutes as the Sharks tried to tie the game with goalie Martin Jones pulled for the extra attacker.